A/N-Last one guys! This is the only time I will ask for a review. Please? Was it good? *puppy dog eyes* Please read, review and enjoy!
"Aerith?" Roxas gasped, his eyes wide in shock. Aerith nodded with a small smile.
"Hello, Roxas," she greeted. Roxas rubbed the tears from his face.
"What are you doing here?"
"Saying goodbye, like Xion."
"But why me? What about Cloud? Or Tifa? Or Yuffie?" Aerith shook her head.
"It would only hurt them further."
"Did you fail to hold onto something too? But you had Cloud!" Aerith smiled and clasped her hands loosely behind her back, turning her head to the sky.
"It wasn't that. At the time, I was so confused. They wanted me to hold onto something and I couldn't think of an answer. I do love Cloud and all my friends, but I felt it was rude to impose my life onto them. And so I didn't decide." The wind blew through their hair and Aerith closed her eyes, enjoying the breeze. "I have a request for you Roxas."
"What's that?" Aerith turned to the blonde.
"I want you to choose."
"Choose? Choose what?"
"When Xion died, she failed to hang on. I chose not to. We're different. She had her goodbyes to the one she clung to but…"
"You have nothing to hold onto so you can't be released." Aerith nodded. "I just want to move on to my afterlife but I can't without having something to hold close to me. To be my light, if you will."
"So I have to choose your light?" Aerith nodded again. "But it comes with a gift."
"A gift?"
"Isa's heart was shattered because she lost herself. Xion was brought to the afterlife after coming to terms with the one she loved. If you choose, I may give my life to another."
"But then you won't rest peacefully?" Aerith smiled sadly.
"Yes, it will be the price I pay, but when they died I will be able to rest in peace. So I will only be bound for so long and in the prospect of eternity, a few decades don't seem that long."
"Even if I asked for you to give up part of your afterlife, I wouldn't know who to pick," Roxas admitted. Aerith shook her head.
"Look inside you Roxas. Remember what you felt when you were a part of Kingdom Hearts." Roxas tried to think back, reaching into the memoires of his heart. "You felt the pain and sorrow of those around you. Your heart knows who it wants." The grassland was cut short into a circle. All around it was dark and there was stained glass under the flora. Roxas's eyes widened.
Around the edge of the circle were people he knew. His parents. Hayner. Pence. Olette. Rai and Fuu. He searched their passive faces sadly. They appeared to be sleeping, hanging in time and space. Roxas bit his lip.
"I can't choose!" he shouted.
"Look harder Roxas," Aerith urged. Roxas closed his eyes and focused on his heart. He felt it tighten with the feeling of loss but for some reason it was foreign to him. Roxas heart the sound of waves crashing and the smell of the sea filled his senses. He opened his eyes and the circle of grass was surrounded by water.
"Demyx," he breathed. The people around him faded. Roxas whirled around and turned to Aerith. "No, he can't be dead!" Aerith smiled sadly.
"He sacrificed himself to protect his friends."
"But we had people healing him! They had the tech, they magic!"
"His wounds were too great. The lunar energy counteracted their attempts to save him. Demyx wasn't able to pull through." Roxas looked around wildly for the Knight but his body was missing.
"Where is he?" he pressed.
"You will have to go to him. His body is still of that of the physical world." Roxas kept searching until he spotted a dark rise on the horizon. He ran and dove headfirst into the water. Roxas swam as hard as he could but there was a current pushing against him. He gasped for breath and felt like he was drowning but he pushed on.
Roxas found he was nearing a small island, barely a sandbar in the waves. It sported a few feet of white sand and a lone palm tree. Sitting at the base was Demyx, his eyes closed as he rested. Roxas felt his feet his sand and he pushed his way up onto the tiny island. He gasped for breath as water cascaded down his dripping clothes. Roxas staggered over and dropped to his knees. He shook the Knight's shoulder.
"Hey. Hey! Come on Dem, you're still alive, right?" The Knight didn't respond. His breathing was shallow and his skin was pale. He wouldn't last much longer. Roxas turned to find Aerith standing behind him. "And you can bring him back?"
"Yes, but only if you choose."
"Why do I have to choose?" Aerith smiled warmly and a tear rolled down her face.
"Because my heart followed the light to you. And now it will follow the light elsewhere." Roxas felt a weight in his chest, something he hadn't felt for a long time. He looked down at Demyx. The sandy haired Knight slept on without knowing where he was or why he was there. Roxas swallowed hard. Then he nodded.
"If not for me, then for his friends. Sora, Riku, Axel, Ienzo and Zexion. They want him back as much as I do." Roxas turned back to Aerith. "This is for them." Aerith's smile grew brighter and more tears ran down her face.
"Thank you, Roxas." Aerith started to fade. Roxas stood and kissed her on the forehead.
"Please don't cry," he asked. Aerith choked out a sob and forced the smile on her face.
"I'll try," she replied. Then she faded. All that was left was her heart. Roxas cupped it in his hands and carried it over to Demyx. He knelt down and let it go. The heart hovered over Demyx's chest for a moment. Then it sank inside. Demyx's lungs expanded and his skin started to return to a healthy color. Roxas smiled and brushed back the Knight's bangs.
"Thank you, Aerith," he whispered. The water rose and lapped against Roxas's feet. It swept Demyx away, leaving Roxas kneeling in the water. The blonde watched him vanish from sight. Then the water rushed over his head and he felt himself falling. Roxas leaned back and closed his eyes. Thank you, everyone…
XxXxX
"Terra, Aqua!" Ven cried. He ran out and crashed into his parents. Terra and Aqua didn't bother to hold back their tears as they embraced their son. Kairi ran past them and embraced her sister. Naminé squealed with delight, finally feeling the happiness in her chest she longed for. Then she introduced her sister to Seifer. The man seemed to be rather taken with Kairi but tried to hide his blush.
Three people were unloaded on stretchers. People watched as they were carried back to the medical tent. Ienzo flanked one of them. Mickey another. The last by Donald and Goofy. Their faces were solemn. Sora and Riku were the last to depart. They joined in the celebration of greeting Kairi but even in their hearts they felt the pain of what had happened that day.
XxXxX
Two Weeks Later
A G. Ship descended onto the beach of Destiny Islands bearing the Hollow Bastion crest. Many people were worried, especially when Vexen stepped out, but they were reassured by Sora and Riku. Naminé ushered Ienzo to the beach, much to the boy's confusion. As he reached the sands, his blind eyes widened. His heart beat wildly. Then he took off running, tears streaming down his face.
From the darkness of the ship, Lexaeus helped Zexion step down from the ship. At the sight of his brother, Zexion suddenly didn't care he was injured. He ripped himself from Lexaeus's grasp and bolted across the beach. He dove down and crushed Ienzo in his arm. Ienzo hugged him back just as hard. Tears streamed down their faces as they sobbed into each other's shoulders.
"I'm so glad you're safe!" Zexion cried.
"I'm so happy you're alive!" Ienzo sniffled. Zexion stood and held his brother's hand. "Come on, he's over here." Ienzo led the way as Zexion followed his brother happily. They arrived at the medical tent. There, lying on a bed with a breathing mask on his face, lay Demyx. Zexion walked over and peered down at the man's blue-green eyes. Demyx reached up and removed the mask from his face.
"Hey," he croaked.
"You came back," Zexion noted. He had heard the story of Demyx's miraculous resurrection from Lexaeus. Demyx smiled.
"I did, but I'm not really sure how." Zexion nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. Ienzo sat next to his brother.
"I wanted to thank you for what you did." Demyx grinned.
"Anytime." Demyx was a bit startled when Zexion leaned down and hugged him tightly. He patted the man's back with his masked hand before Zexion sat up again. Demyx put his mask back on so he could breathe easier. Zexion looked over at all of the empty beds.
"And what of them?" he wondered. Ienzo looked up at his brother.
"Don't worry. They'll be back. They just have somewhere to be right now," the younger brother explained. Zexion nodded quietly. Then he smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
XxXxX
The dust blew wildly in the wind over the wreckage. There was hardly anything recognizable about the place. Footsteps alerted him someone else was there. He glanced over to see his friend walk up behind him.
"So this is the place huh?" Axel asked. Roxas nodded.
"Twilight Town," he confirmed. Axel hummed in his throat.
"Sorry I can't say much for it."
"It's alright. There's not much left here anyway." They walked together through the thick dust towards the main part of town. Roxas held a white box in his hands.
Twilight Town was barely recognizable. The buildings had been reduced to rubble and decay. Metal frames hung limply together when not rusted over. A thick coat of red-brown dust covered the world. A few tree trunks remained but they were charred and void of life. Ashen shadows on the walls of buildings reminded those who walked by of those who had once lived there. The streets were cracked and paint all but faded. Even the sky was hazed with red. The once beautiful world was left in despair.
Roxas led Axel up the hill towards the old clock tower. It had collapsed onto the train station, the large face cracked into eleven pieces. Roxas walked up to the rubble and hoisted himself up. Axel wasn't sure if the wreckage would hold but he followed Roxas nonetheless. Roxas made it to where a pile of bricks was and climbed up to where the clock tower sat sideways. He brushed off a spot and sat down. Axel climbed up and did the same.
Roxas popped open the box on his lap and riffled around inside. He pulled out a sea salt ice cream and handed it to Axel. The red head accepted it and started to nibble on the end. Roxas pulled one out for himself and closed the lid. He took a bite and found he liked the flavor.
Sweet like nostalgia.
Salty like tears.
"Hey, the sun's setting," Axel noticed. Roxas looked out at the sun and smiled softly.
"Yeah, it is." Axel glanced at his friend. Roxas's face was pained but he seemed to be accepting the fate of his world. Axel was amazed at his strength.
'I couldn't even face going back.' He recalled. They watched in silence as the sun set lower on the horizon. They would occasionally bite into their ice cream or glance at each other.
"You know, you really do have the best sun sets here," Axel commented out of nowhere. Roxas's gaze shifted to his friend. The green eyes were still glued to the sun. "I'm just jealous that I never go to see it before." Roxas returned his gaze to the sun.
"Yeah. You are kind of missing out." They chuckled and the sun dipped below the horizon. The finished off their ice cream and climbed back down. Then they headed back to the G. Ship.
As darkness fell on the world, the white box sat on the wreckage of the clock tower. On top sat two crossed sticks, showing the friendship that had grown. Inside were three ice cream treats for the friendships that never died.
XxXxX
Everyone in Hollow Bastion was gathered and dressed their very best. Banners were hung between the streets. Confetti and bubbles blew around in the wind from excited children. They all pressed their bodies closer to the closed off street that led to the gates of the castle. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of their future. People from several worlds were there including the Restoration Committee from Traverse Town.
King Mickey strode down a red carpet in the street with Donald and Goofy at his flanks. He was dressed in his richest red robes. His crown and sword were polished to perfection. He couldn't help but smile as he approached the gates to the castle. There stood Zexion dressed in clothes foreign to him with a large robe on his shoulders. It made him look rather small. Lexaeus flanked him with his armor gleaming. It was no longer that of the Knights. It was a rich blue color accented with pumpkin, white and hints of black. A lavender ascot could just be seen underneath on his neck. Ienzo was dressed finely as well on Zexion's other side.
To the right and left of the gates stood all those Zexion and Ienzo knew: Sora, Riku, Kairi, Naminé, Roxas, Axel, Demyx, Seifer, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. Vexen stood off to the side in a bright new lab coat, sporting the lavender ascot. In his hands he held a small intricate box. It was a sight to behold.
Behind Mickey strode Queen Minnie with a gentleman no one knew. He was older with thin blond hair and a trim beard. His orange eyes scanned the crowd methodically. Mickey arrived to the gates and nodded to Zexion. They turned so both Mickey and Zexion could be seen. Mickey turned to Minnie and the newcomer.
"Zexion, this is Ansem. He is part of my council and will not lead you astray as you learn what it is to lead a world." Zexion nodded his greeting. Minnie and Ansem stood off to the side as Mickey started the ceremony. "Zexion of Hollow Bastion, are you willing to take the responsibility upon yourself to lead you people, to place your complete trust in their hands, and to be a role model for future generations?" Mickey asked.
"I am," Zexion replied, trying to hide the waver in his voice.
"Are you prepared to sacrifice yourself for your world, for the better of all your people?"
"I am." Mickey turned to the crowd.
"And do you, Hollow Bastion, take this man to be your new King? Will you love him and respect him as he learns to grow? Will you teach him how to rule this world and forever stand by his side?" The crowd erupted into a roar of cheers. Zexion felt his face blush. Mickey nodded with a smile. He motioned to Vexen and the researcher stepped forward. Mickey opened the box and picked up what was inside.
It was a small gold crown. It wasn't even big enough to cover the brow of one's head but it was beautifully crafted. Mickey held it out towards the crowd and they fell silent. He turned back to Zexion. The man kneeled and bowed his head. Mickey held the crown in one hand and drew his sword with the other. He tapped Zexion's shoulders with the flat of his blade.
"As a fellow royal of the worlds, I, King Mickey of Disney Castle, hereby bestow royal power on Zexion of Hollow Bastion. Mickey sheathed his blade and held the crown in both hands. "Raise you head." Zexion did as he was asked and Mickey gently placed the crown on Zexion's head. It sat on the top of his skull slightly tilted off to the left. "Rise, Zexion." The man rose and Mickey turned him to the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, the new KING OF HOLLOW BASTION!" Mickey roared.
The crowd went nuts. Confetti went everywhere as people chanted their new King's name. Zexion felt his face flush but Mickey patted him on the shoulder to reassure him. The younger King smiled softly. Then he did something unexpected: he bowed to the people. The crowd gasped and fell silent.
"People of Hollow Bastion!" Zexion cried out. "I thank you. You have been much stronger than I and I admire your fortitude. I will remember your will and your kindness in the days to come." He straightened up and smiled. The crowd cheered wildly all over again. There was an exchange of hugs by the gates before everyone went into town. The people were holding a celebration, one they were not about to miss.
XxXxX
"You're doing WHAT?!" Axel exclaimed, nearly choking on his turkey leg. Demyx chuckled.
"I'm going on my pilgrimage," Demyx said again. Axel cleared his throat and peered down at the younger man.
"Are you sure? You can't take Sin on by yourself. And do you know how many other summoners have died trying to do so?"
"I know the risks. I don't want to see another world destroyed, Axel. It hurts too many people." Axel could tell Demyx was determined.
"Alright then, I guess I'd better find a backpack."
"Say what?!"
"What, did you think you're going alone? Summoners need guardians you bimbo." Axel flicked Demyx's forehead. The younger man flinched.
"Who said I wanted you?" Axel pouted. "Okay, I wanted you to come with." Axel grinned.
"Come with to where?" Roxas asked, stepping in.
"Dem's going on his pilgrimage. I'm going to go as a guardian," Axel explained.
"Oh really? Then count me in. Someone has to cover Axel's ass while he tries to cover up Dem's."
"Me?!" Axel glared at the blonde. "Fuck you!"
"Fuck you too!" The pair burst into laughter. "When do you plan on leaving?" Roxas asked.
"Well…" Demyx started. Suddenly Zexion stormed through the crowd and smashed his fist on Demyx's head.
"You did NOT ask my brother to risk his life on your stupid pilgrimage!" the King shouted. Roxas and Axel snorted. Ienzo hurried after his brother.
"It's fine, Zexion!" he reassured him.
"No, it's not. You're ten! You can barely do magic."
"Then I'll train. Demyx doesn't mind waiting a few years." Zexion looked over to the sandy haired man and frowned.
"How long are we asking?"
"Two years?" Demyx suggested. Zexion scowled. "Okay, three." The King snorted.
"We will see. If I don't think he's ready, then he's not going!"
"Relax!" Axel broke in to diffuse the tension. He put an arm around Zexion's shoulder. "Me and Rox will be there to help look after him."
"And so will I." The turned to find Naminé walking up to them with Kairi and Seifer.
"Nam," Roxas warned.
"I can handle myself, Roxas. Plus I'll have three years to train," she stated matter-of-factly. Roxas frowned but he didn't protest.
"Seifer will go too," Kairi chipped in.
"Say what?!" the Captain protested. Kairi giggled.
"You have to take care of my sister, 'kay?" She gave the man a wink. Seifer's cheeks were dusted with pink.
"Um, uh, sure…" he stammered. Kairi giggled and gave everyone a thumbs up.
"So, three years then?" Demyx reinstated. Everyone nodded and turned to Zexion. The King looked to his brother. Ienzo's eyes were pleading. Zexion sighed.
"Fine," he snipped. A chorus of cheers broke from the group. "But if you don't make it back alive, I'm coming after you in your afterlife!" Zexion threatened. Demyx grinned.
"Sure! I'll be sure to do my best," Demyx replied. Zexion nodded.
The celebration ran late into the night. By the morning, people were moving back to their homes to sleep. Sora, Riku and Kairi said their goodbyes and returned to Destiny Islands. Naminé, Seifer, Terra, Aqua and Ventus returned with the Restoration Committee to Traverse Town. Demyx went his own way to travel for awhile. Roxas and Axel had one last place to go before returning home. They ventured out to the ruins of Radiant Garden. There, Axel came to terms with his past. Then he went with Roxas to his home in Traverse Town.
They fixed up the place nicely. Axel moved into Xion's old room and Naminé hung a drawing on the wall of the living room. It was the picture of their family portrait. Axel and Roxas studied it sometime after it was hung. Then they scribbled four names on the bottom.
Those in our hearts: Hayner, Pence, Olette, and Reno.
And so the worlds lived on.
And so did their hearts.
Musical Muse: Shukumei-Fairy Tale
A/N
Wow, what a ride! So much has happened since this was started and I actually like how it turned out. ^^
Thank you everyone for reading and reviewing, it means a lot to me.
If you really want that sequel, you know where to spam. ;D
Special thanks to Daughter_of_The_Revolution, Ewonsama, and Change_of_Heart-Good_and_Evil. You three are such super reviewers. You kept me going when I just felt like stopping. Thanks for the push!
And that's it! :D
I'll be working on personal projects for awhile so I won't be posting for probably at least a month unless it's a one shot.
Good luck with school (if you're stuck there like I am, sigh) and best of luck with all of your writing!
~superspreegirl89~